Attractions & Activities

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? What to do?That is the question...for there are all types of things to do year around in the Fraser River Valley, from summer Picnics in the Park, as pictured here, to the partial listing that follows.

The Fraser River Trail is groomed during snow months - enjoy its beauty on foot, snowshoes, or cross-country skis! View the map to see where it can take you!

1. ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST - CAMPING - HIKING - FISHING - HUNTING The forest is our playground; mountain bike trails and nature drives are also wonderful pastimes. The camping is generally without permit, with the exception of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. There is wonderful fishing in the streams and in Meadow Creek Reservoir (license required). Seasonal hunting is permitted in the forest with appropriate licenses. Trail maps are available at the Fraser Visitor Center. Topo maps can be purchased at most local sporting goods stores, the Fraser Valley Ace Hardware and at the Sulphur Ranger District Office located in Granby. Back to top

2. FLYFISHING is a favorite summertime activity. Guides recommend the Fraser River as well as St. Louis Creek, Meadow Creek Reservoir and the Colorado River. Fishing licenses are required for those ages 16 and up. Ice fishing is popular when the nearby lakes freeze. Contact Jeff Ehlert, guide and owner of Winter Park Flyfisher and Redtail Rafting at 970-726-5231. Back to top

3. GRANBY RANCH - the resort provides a wonderful place for families to ski together. Headwaters features an 18 hole course, pro shop and lessons with the county's largest practice facility. Located just south of the town of Granby, in the geographic area known as Middle Park, with wonderful vistas of the beautiful mountains by which it is surrounded.Back to top

4. HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES - Fulfill your desire to get above it all with a hot air balloon ride! Most flights are early morning, to take advantage of the best lift and tranquil weather conditions. Dress warm, it is cold up in the sky even in the summer! Contact Grand Adventures Balloon Tours at 970-887-1340 or 888-887-1340.Back to top

5. HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS RESORT - Located in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, the county seat of Grand County, this resort sits alongside the Colorado River and provides a wonderful spa and lodging package for those in need of relaxation. There are 18 pools, including two private cave-like rooms. The resort is on the north west side of the river just at the mouth of the Byers Canyon, 26 miles north of Fraser on Hwy. 40.Back to top

6. MUSEUMS - Within a great loop of the Continental Divide, surrounded by peaks, lies the valley that is today's Grand County. The broad sheltered meadows and timber covered hills attracted humans 9,000 years ago. Abundant game brought Ute and Arapaho tribes, and French trappers gave the valley the name Middle Park. Two museums in the area are owned and operated by the Grand County Historical Association:
The Cozens Ranch Museum is in Fraser on Highway 40, near Winter Park. The Ranch is one of the oldest homesteads in the Fraser Valley. It served as the area's post office and stage stop. At its peak, the ranch covered over 700 acres. Constructed during the years 1875 to 1882, the main house, post office and stage stop are restored and open to the public. In the adjoining shed is a full-size replica of the stagecoach which ran from Georgetown to Hot Sulphur Springs between 1876-1905. For more information, please call 970-726-5488.
The Grand County Museum in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado is housed in the old Hot Sulphur Springs School, built in 1924. The museum's exhibits give excellent insight into the early people and businesses of Grand county. There are artifacts from the nearby Windy Gap archeological dig which date back 8,500 years ago. The Pioneer Women exhibit highlights the often overlooked but vital role of women in settling the land. For more information call 725-3939.Back to top

7. POLE CREEK GOLF CLUB - Listed as one of the top 50 golf courses in the nation, Pole Creek has the grandest views of the Continental Divide that you will get on any course! This summer only course is beautifully maintained and has recently expanded by another 9 holes. Linger at the clubhouse to enjoy the alpenglow. Come see if your golf ball really does go farther at high altitude! Call 970-726-8847 for fees and tee times.Back to top

8. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - There is so much to say about this extraordinary national park that we don't know where to begin. Majestic views let you see all the way to Wyoming. Massive undertakings like the Trail Ridge Road highway which cuts through this park and the pioneer Big Ditch which siphons water from these mountains to the eastern plains of Colorado, take a back seat to the splendor of the wildlife and the scenic beauty of the park. The ways you can enjoy this beauty aren't limited to hiking and camping. You can take nature courses led by experts in their fields. Rangers lead snowshoe walks. You can learn and read about the history of the park and its flora and fauna in the interpretive centers at both portals to the park. And you can shop in the Alpine Center at 12,000 feet. Trust us, there's a reason bus loads of tourists visit this park annually.Back to top

9. HIGH COUNTRY STAMPEDE AND RODEO - Every Saturday night in July and August there is a great little rodeo right here in Fraser! The junior rodeo kicks things off at 3 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by the main performance with cowboys and cowgirls competing at calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, bronco bustin', roping and much more. For the kids we also have mutton bustin' and the calf scramble. The funny clown and special events make for a very fun night! You and your family can make an evening of it; come early, have dinner at the Chuck Wagon BBQ and enjoy the show. Admission tickets are available at the gate with pricing for seniors, military, adults and children. Check out www.highcountrystampede.com for more info. Yee-ha!Back to top

10. SNOWMOBILING - SLEIGH RIDES - HORSEBACK RIDES - DOG SLEDDING - HAYRIDES - COLORADO RIVER RAFTING We are sure we've left something out! Several companies offer snowmobiling, both guided and unguided, with trips into the national forest and up on the Continental Divide. Sleigh rides are offered by several outfitters and can be as simple as a sleigh ride through the woods, with or without hot chocolate, to an elaborate but rustic dinner sleigh ride with entertainment! Summer trail rides are a great way to enjoy the scenery and wildflowers. If you haven't done a dog sled ride you are in for a treat! It'll take hours for the smile to leave your face! Those seeking a warm weather outing can choose from several different rafting companies that will take you down the Colorado.Back to top

11. TUBING HILL - We're famous for our tubing hills. They look tame enough until you sit at the top on your tube before your descent! Rent a tube and slide down a snow covered hill.
The Fraser Tubing Hill offers snow tubing. Call for current rates and hours of operation 970-726-5954 (winter only).
Next door to the tubing hill is the Colorado Adventure Park, which offers snow tubing, snow scoots and bike rentals. Call 970-726-5779 for information and hours of operation. Back to top

12. WINTER PARK RESORT - You will understand why Winter Park is "Colorado's Favorite" once you've experienced its mountains and snow. Its geographic location means lots of powdery snow on Mary Jane, Winter Park and Vasquez Ridge mountains. One lift ticket gives you access to all three mountains which are interconnected by trails and lifts. Non-skiers can enjoy the mountain with snowcat and snowshoe tours and holiday evening gondola rides to the Lodge at Sunspot restaurant. In summer, the resort becomes a playground, which includes hiking and biking trails, the alpine slide, miniature golf and an outdoor climbing wall. Call 970-726-5514 for more information.Back to top